Poll: Better Sophomore Season: Fantilli vs PLD

[ViD]

Who had the better sophomore season ?

Please vote objectively without the PLD prejudice

PLD: 82 games, 27 goals, 34 assists

Fantilli: 79 games, 27 goals, 23 assists

PLD had a luxury of playing with Panarin most of the year, Fantilli had early struggles, but then clicked well with Marchenko and KJ recently

 

[koteka]

PLD had the better second NHL season. Fantill had the better second season after his draft year.

 

[MoeBartoli]

Fantilli. Not prejudiced against PLD except for the fact I hate him.

 

[JacketFanInFL]

It’s PLD, but you can’t expect CBJ fans to be objective about this.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

It’s PLD, but you can’t expect CBJ fans to be objective about this.

I certainly wouldn't expect any JacketFan anywhere to be objective, no.

 

[ThisIsMyAlibi]

It’s PLD, but you can’t expect CBJ fans to be objective about this.

My thoughts, as well.

 

[Doggy]

I am having trouble figuring out how to compare.

• Dubois was just 18 when he was drafted and then played one more season in the CHL
• Fantilli was 18 and 8 months when he was drafted but jumped right into the NHL

So both players were 20 in their second NHL season but it's apples and oranges

• Dubois had played 48 CHL games and then 82 NHL games going into his second NHL season and had the luxury of playing with Panarin who was truly the focus of his line. Dubois was a complimentary piece while learning to play C in the NHL.
• Fantilli on the other hand played just more than 1/2 a season (49 NHL games) going into his second season and was counted on to be the play driver on his line until Monahan was injured.

I guess yes, Dubois had a statistically better 2nd season but it wasn't until after Panarin left that he learned to handle being the focus of his line and his numbers took a step back as he adjusted. Fantilli went through that this year and is now past it so I think Fantilli is ahead of Dubois at this point in their careers.

IOW, I think statistically Dubois was better in year two but am pretty optimistic Fantilli's third season will surpass Dubois' third season.

 

[cbjthrowaway]

It’s PLD, but you can’t expect CBJ fans to be objective about this.

true objectivity means considering the context:

• fantilli: D+2 season, shuffled around a bunch of different lines, very little PP1 time
• PLD: D+3 season, stapled to panarin, lots of PP1 time

so really we should be comparing fantilli's second season to PLD's rookie year (20-28–48) but, again, dubois spent a ton of that playing with panarin.

 

[Doggy]

true objectivity means considering the context:

• fantilli: D+2 season, shuffled around a bunch of different lines, very little PP1 time
• PLD: D+3 season, stapled to panarin, lots of PP1 time

so really we should be comparing fantilli's second season to PLD's rookie year (20-28–48) but, again, dubois spent a ton of that playing with panarin.

Same thought process, you just said it better with fewer words.

 

[GoJackets1]

If things for CBJ continue on the trajectory they are currently on, Fantilli could be a 40G 40A guy as soon as next year IMO. In 2025 he has I think 18 goals and 33 points in 39 games. Considering the recent shutouts, that’s pretty damn good.

25 of his 27 goals are at even strength as well. He’s a vastly better overall player than he was last year, and considering how coachable we know he is, I can only expect that trend to continue. That said, he isn’t and may never be a true play driver, but that’s okay. He’s obviously a very dangerous, valuable player to have. Pair him with similarly talented players and he will thrive.

 

[CarolinaBlueJacket]

Who cares about the second season... It's 3+ that I care about and I can see the future and say that Fantilli walks away with it.

 

[Xoggz22]

Season isn't over yet, but that's just a "how many points will Fantilli end up with?" exercise at this point. I think it's splitting hairs, but I do think PLD had the better season overall. He was pretty solid start to finish. Now Fantilli's 2nd half... far exceeds PLD, but he wasn't as consistent as I recall PLD being in his second season. Could be the experience around him...

Tough call, but regardless, I'll take Fantilli every day and twice on Sunday! His attitude is miles ahead adn that's not just the NHL level. If anyone questions how PLD got where he is, go read the story about him and how he pretty much defied coaches his entire life...they called it "drive". I call it privelege and bull shit.

 

[Cowumbus]

Idk

but if Fantilli scores again this year he will have a 30G season. PLD has NEVER had that many.